Is there one species on earth that is as diverse as the dog? Look at pet cats; they come in more or less the same size and shape. The same is true for sheep, goats and cows. But then consider these AMAZING DOGS. From little Chihuahua’s to giant Great Dane’s, from Hairless Chinese Crested to Afghan Hounds with their luxuriant fur and from cute Toy Poodles to fierce American Pit Bull Terriers. Dogs exhibit the greatest diversity in body size of any mammalian species. Dogs are truly wonderful creatures that brighten up our lives.

We distinguish different dog breeds by their appearance and behavior. On the inside these all look the same, metabolism-wise, as all dog breeds can be traced back in time to their ancestor, the wolf. Currently there seem to be two schools of thought in dog food (at the very least). One says the “every dog its own food” is a marketing trick, whereas the other school claims breed specific dog food, life stage specific dog food and even gene specific dog food is the best food for your canine companion. Do differences exist between dogs breeds that are nutritionally relevant? Perhaps the answer depends on the level of detail you are looking. Each dog has the same basic digestion systems and enzymes. I’ve seen pictures in commercial ads showing different dog breeds with their stomach and intestines drawn inside of them and it is no surprise that on such a scale there is no difference!

On a molecular level differences can be substantial and relevant. One breed may be more prone to certain diseases such as epilepsy, retinal degeneration, skeletal malformations and allergies than other breeds. The basis of this lies in their DNA. More than 350 inherited diseases have been described across the different dog breeds.

The NHIGRI Dog Genome Project, coordinated by the National Human Genome Research Institute, has developed a map of the complete dog DNA. This project is similar to the project HUGO sequencing the total human genome. This was a tremendous achievement involving laboratories all around the world that sequenced 2,9 billion base-pairs. The dog genome is slightly smaller with approximately 2,4 billion base-pairs. And here is a nice-to-know fact for you to tell at parties: 72% of the genes look the same in dogs and humans

As now the dog has entered the age of the genome, new possibilities lie at the horizon. A DNA map can be useful for the mapping of genes causing inherited diseases in dogs. Insight into the molecular basis of a disease brings development of new cures just one step closer. Another example of applied science can be found in my blog post about K-9 Genetics Corp developing ultra-premium dog food that best suits the needs of your individual canine.

For more information about dog health and dog nutrition visit Best Dog Food Guide.